Intro
Embark on a challenging journey with the Air Force CCT pipeline, a grueling training program for aspiring Combat Controllers. Learn about the rigorous selection process, intense physical training, and advanced skills training required to become a CCT operator. Discover the career path, salary, and benefits of this elite special operations force.
The Air Force's Combat Control Team (CCT) pipeline is an elite training program designed to produce highly skilled special operators. These airmen are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, from combat search and rescue to direct action and special reconnaissance. If you're considering a career as a CCT, here's what you need to know about the training pipeline and what to expect.
Becoming a Combat Control Team Member
To become a CCT, you'll need to meet the Air Force's basic requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, and scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You'll also need to pass a physical fitness test and a background check.
Once you've met these requirements, you can enlist in the Air Force and choose the CCT career path. You'll begin your journey at Basic Military Training (BMT), where you'll learn the fundamentals of being an airman.
CCT Training Pipeline
After BMT, you'll attend the CCT training pipeline, which consists of several phases:
- Combat Control Team Selection Course: This 2-week course is designed to assess your suitability for the CCT career path. You'll undergo physical and mental challenges, including obstacle courses, swimming tests, and problem-solving exercises.
- Combat Control Team Course: If you're selected, you'll attend the CCT course, which lasts approximately 14 weeks. You'll learn advanced skills such as combat tactics, survival techniques, and communication methods.
- US Army Airborne School: You'll attend the US Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where you'll learn how to parachute and conduct airborne operations.
- US Navy Combat Diver Qualification Course: You'll attend the US Navy Combat Diver Qualification Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida, where you'll learn advanced diving techniques and how to conduct combat diving operations.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training: You'll attend SERE training, which teaches you how to survive in hostile environments and evade capture.
- Free Fall Parachutist Course: You'll attend the Free Fall Parachutist Course, where you'll learn how to conduct high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) parachute operations.
- CCT Apprenticeship: After completing the above courses, you'll be assigned to a CCT unit, where you'll work under the guidance of experienced CCT members to hone your skills.
CCT Career Path
As a CCT, you'll have opportunities to advance your career and take on new challenges. Here are some possible career paths:
- CCT Team Member: You'll work as a member of a CCT team, conducting missions and providing support to special operations forces.
- CCT Team Leader: With experience, you can become a team leader, responsible for planning and executing missions.
- CCT Instructor: You can become an instructor at the CCT training pipeline, teaching new students the skills they need to become CCT members.
- CCT Operations Planner: You'll work as an operations planner, responsible for planning and coordinating CCT missions.
Benefits of Being a CCT
As a CCT, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Unique Mission: You'll be part of an elite unit, conducting missions that require specialized skills and training.
- Advanced Training: You'll receive advanced training in combat tactics, survival techniques, and communication methods.
- Special Pay: You'll receive special pay and allowances, including jump pay and diving pay.
- Leadership Opportunities: You'll have opportunities to take on leadership roles and advance your career.
- Camaraderie: You'll be part of a tight-knit community of CCT members, who share a common bond and sense of purpose.
Challenges of Being a CCT
As a CCT, you'll face a range of challenges, including:
- High-Stress Environment: You'll work in high-stress environments, where you'll need to make quick decisions and react to changing situations.
- Physical Demands: You'll need to maintain a high level of physical fitness, as you'll be required to perform physically demanding tasks.
- Time Away from Family: You'll spend time away from family and friends, as you'll be deployed to various locations around the world.
- Continuous Training: You'll need to continuously update your skills and training, as the nature of CCT work is constantly evolving.
Gallery of Combat Control Team Images
Combat Control Team Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCT training pipeline?
+The CCT training pipeline is a series of courses and training programs designed to produce highly skilled special operators. The pipeline includes courses such as the Combat Control Team Selection Course, the Combat Control Team Course, and the US Army Airborne School.
How long is the CCT training pipeline?
+The CCT training pipeline typically lasts around 2 years, depending on the individual's progress and performance.
What are the benefits of being a CCT?
+As a CCT, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including unique mission opportunities, advanced training, special pay, leadership opportunities, and camaraderie with fellow team members.
What are the challenges of being a CCT?
+As a CCT, you'll face challenges such as high-stress environments, physical demands, time away from family, and continuous training requirements.
How do I become a CCT?
+To become a CCT, you'll need to meet the Air Force's basic requirements, attend Basic Military Training, and then attend the CCT training pipeline. You'll also need to pass a physical fitness test and a background check.
If you're considering a career as a Combat Control Team member, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable information and insights. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and always strive for excellence. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and become part of this elite unit.